Craftastic

Crafts just done went and blew up in our house this week. It’s been a craftastic preparation for the holidays, and I’m loving it.

I used to think the word “crafts” was dorky. Like, if Brett asked “are you doing crafts again?,” I’d clarify “I’m creating homemade splendor” as if “homemade splendor” was more cool. I downplayed my scrapbooking as “photo journalistic memoiring” and pretended I didn’t have a collection of cool stickers and zig-zag shears hidden under my bed.

But, I’m cool with it now. I’m a crafter. I like crafts. I smoke the craft pipe. I fly the crafty freak flag and admit that my heart does a little two-step when I enter the threshold of Michaels. I can only hope my kids will be droppin’ terms like ric-rac and vellum and battenburg lace while they’re still wee littles.

Just wish I could sew. I toy with a needle and thread once in a great while and pretend I know what I’m doing, but oh the joy if I could really sew.

I am a mad gluer though.

Exhibit A: The holiday freak flags that dangle over the playroom now…(pardon the mess)

Tree Decal on Wall…totally love. Get one HERE and use code DDFREE088 for a free owl decal gift with purchase.

A little bit of ribbon, tacky glue, fabric and pinking shears. Voila.

And likewise, another craft with little effort and perfect for the Thanksgiving table…

Table’s already set for our annual neighbor Thanksgiving pajama breakfast, not because I’m so put together and prepared but because the house is such a mess and I’m so behind, I needed something pretty that would inspire me to put the rest back together.

We made ours for our Thanksgiving table this year. Unfinished napkin rings from craft store (you can get a bag of four for a couple dollars), spraypainted and, yes, glued with vintage-looking buttons.

Lainey had fun helping. These would look lovely wrapped with cloth napkins and tied with rafia for a gift, or keep and use for your own table like so:

Place settings this year are the trusty old kindergarten craftastic pinecone turkeys.

We made eight of them yesterday, and Lainey named them all. In no particular order, we have Turkey Dan, Lappie, Little Dan, Little Lappie, Yahkie, Lotsapew, Chili and Dookie. Yes Dookie. She named ’em, not me.

This wouldn’t be completely craftastic if we didn’t throw in a couple more, so hang on. Although our town’s tree lighting is this Monday (wahoo…come down to Third Street, Neapolitans!) and our official family tree ceremony is next week, we jumped the gun just a teensy bit on our fireplace.

Mittens serve dual purpose of advent calendar (countown to Christmas…whatever you call it) as you fill each one with a couple treats and pull them off one by one with each day in December.

Toddler mittens in the dollar bin at the check-out in Joanns plus 2 yards of gold cording plus mini clothespins for a grand total of twelve dollah, no hollah.

Add a fun mug, some favorite coffee, a doily…what have you…wrap in celophane, and you have a pretty gift for coffee/tea lovers. We use trays all the time. I love to serve company on them, and this one’s extra special because it bears Lainey’s smiley faces.

Before I wish you Happy Friday…

For all those that commented on the beach pictures last post, here’s your chance to come visit. In case you haven’t noticed, Poppa’s vacation rental homes has a button up on the sidebar. The homes are entirely dreamy…lots of bedrooms, pool, hot tub, garden nooks for morning coffee. Anyone in the market for a getaway, they’re offering a 25% discount until December 25 (and any other time, 10% off to anyone who mentions Enjoying the Small Things).

I’ve also updated the F.A.Q. tab on top and will try to add to it as common questions come up.

Also, voting for The Bump’s Best Blog award ends Tuesday. How awesome would it be to have “Special Needs” category win…to remind the world that beauty and joy abound within the households of families who may happen to include a child with special needs? Please help us share this message of inclusion. Click HERE. (you have to scroll down to vote)

Great crafts! On my blog I call them Farts and Crafts- cuz that is what my monkeys call em!If you get a chance take a look at the dreidel craft I posted today!Happy Friday- I’ll put in a vote for you!Ren

I love all the banners- you inspired me to do one for our kids:) Nella is clearly way off the charts as far as ds goes…if you ever have any therapy suggestions, I bet a lot of us ds mamas would love to glean:) Lots of love and happiness your way- beautiful photos as always!

i am a mad crafter myself! i just recently learned to sew. my kids and i spend many hours a week at hobby lobby and they have become quite crafty themselves! when i say that we are heading to the fabric store, they cheer and say, “i love the craft store!”….makes mama’s heart proud! super cute thanksgiving/christmas crafts!!!

You inspire me in so many ways. I have redone our guest bathroom after seeing your amazing creation, I blew up my two babies faces and spray mounted the photos on canvas, I have frameless pictures hung in our living room, I did a beach photo session with my girl and boy today and I love them and enjoy all the small things a little harder because of your inspiration! Thank you for your advice, your enthusiasm for life and everything you teach. Can’t get enough of your blog!

Kick ASS! Got my craft on too, and totally fake sewed some pillows w/ the kid’s handprints! (been voting up a storm for ya but % hasn’t moved, come on other readers, lend a hand. If you don’t cream them I think it’s rigged…)

I’m a full blown crafter – I even turned my crafts into a full blown business (I’m on mat leave now) and I’ll need to hire some employees before I come back. Bring on the glue gun goodness!

So proud of Nella standing! And as the snow starts falling in my part of Canada and puffy winter coats are being worn already, can I just say how jealous I am of you guys standing outside in short sleeves? It’s not that I mind winter, it’s just that we’re going to be dealing with this until April. Sigh.

Oh Carol, you warm my heart to know our big circle of littles and bigs includes some with a sparkling star of David on their necklace. Yes, mittens for Chanukah are also filled with love! We certainly are one big human family with diverse perspectives, different faith views and a broad spectrum of cultures–but we’re all celebrating the small things.

I love doing crafts! I made a felt christmas wreath for my boyfriends’ mom this year. I make my own cards for him (ah, love letters from Vancouver to Texas!) and will try to find time to make my Christmas cards as well this year! Crafters of the world UNITE!

I am inspired!! My big kids (8.5 and 6) are out of school for the whole week for Thanksgiving and I need fun, cheap things for us to do. I love the banners and the mitten advent countdown is soooo cute! Thanks for giving me great ideas that will hopefully lead to great memories. On another note, is Nella standing up?! What the what?! She looks like such a big girl lately. I wish we lived close by so that your little Nella Bean and my little Phoebe Bee could play together. They would have a blast!

Once again, really simple crafts that jazz up the joint. I am a knitter and bead-er… love making really lovely things, but I get stuck in a rut sometimes with my crafting. Thanks for the great ideas. I love that you pair Nella’s turkey hand with a gilt frame. So chic, so fabulous. As usual!

Look at you crafty girl!! I am inspired now…was in a bit of a lull. Not anymore! Oh and YOU CAN SEW. Buy a machine or borrow one and just play on it. It is super easy! Although, it is super addicting and I have become even more of a scatterbrain sewing. But my girls are always dressed in a homemade mommy outfit! I hope the blog wins!!

I’m going for a very crafty holiday this year as well. Handcrafted presents seem to be par for the course this year. My mother in law will be receiving a renaissance style dress w/underdress. My father in law is getting plate gauntlets to fight with. My mom will get a western (19th century) skirt and possibly a blouse. My dad will get a leather (19th century) western vest. We’re quite the eccentric family, but my hubby and I are on a pretty tight budget this year, so I will be sewing, and he will be hammering, and somehow we will create something for everyone!

Great ideas! My 5 year old has all next week off from school and I was trying to think of some crafty projects to keep us busy. I LOVE the mitten idea. I’m pretty sure we will snag that one! I found an advent calendar made from green paper cones to look like trees with numbers on each one but that would take a lot of table space that I don’t have. I love the hanging one you made!

enjoy the weekend with your babes….Kelle, mine are 26, 23 & 19 & I canNOT wait till they are all home Wednesday night…enjoying everything about each of them, scars, sickness, chronic conditions and all. That is what life is all about….love to yours’ xoxo

You crack my ass up with the FAQ response about being born under a Rainbow. Love your snarky sense of humor. Keep it up and keep up sucking marrow.

And do not fear the sewing machine. Hell, if DIg got you to garden, I see bobbins in your future!!! Nice job on your crafty purge. Love it. God, I fear the investment I will have spent at Michaels, Joann’s and fabric stores by the time I die…but I’ll die with glue burns on my fingers and a smile on my face.

Nella standing is spectacular and Lainey did a great job with the pinecones. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and by the way, pass that crafty pipe back to the rest of us.

I love all of the craft ideas, especially those cute little mittens! I recently saw a homemade November advent calendar of sorts, where you write down something you are thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving. That is also on my list of crafty projects to try…

But, more importantly, where did you get those adorable boots in the last picture of your post? I love them and need them! Let me know if you can in a comment! Thank you for always inspiring!

I love that I put down my knitting to read your post tonight…my crafting bug hits regularily. My craft room is full of “someday” projects.

Love that you did the home decor thing, and that you celebrate your inexpensive finds.

If you enjoy doing it – your girls will too…it’s a love that is caught. Because it’s important to you, it will be important to them. Top that with your encouragement of their creativity – that is one fantastic tray, Lainey – they will see to explore that special gift.

adorable stuff! Nice work. Crafting with little hands is challenging, but so rewarding, too. i may have to steal your “Thankful” Banner idea this week to contribute to my mother’s turkey day. If I’m going to mooch the food anyway, right?

Oh Kelle – your new FAQ bit just made my evening. The truth is, there will always be the glass-half-empty people out there trying to bring you down. Whatev – they suck the life out of life.

You remind us all that we only get one life and it’s a damn good one. Thanks for inspiring me to finally start recording precious moments I share with my boys. Seriously. It’s almost like you were holding my hand.

Those craft ideas are awesome! I love the tray gift idea. My little guy isn’t quite old enough to pull that off, but you better believe I’m tucking that one away for later. Also love the mitten idea. Too cute!

Your posts always just bring a smile to my face. I actually saved them up this week to read all at once – to start the weekend. How nerdy is that? Pretty bad…I know. I absolutely LOVE the mitten advent countdown to Christmas – I might have to borrow that craft. And I can’t get enough of your Thankful banner…that will be up at our home as well. I will definitely be voting for Best Blog award! Thank you for doing what you do! Enjoy your weekend with the girls.

Kelle, I seriously can’t wait to try these crafts with my little. Thanks for the ideas! I can’t sew either, I am a fellow gluer, but I dream of being a seamstress who creates beautiful, fancy creations. I’m going to bust out the ‘thankful’ banner this weekend since this will be the first year I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

I also need to add that I LOVE how Lainey rocks the Matilda Jane. We are fellow MJ lovers.

Kelle! That is so funny…I love crafts too, I go through major craft phases – currently I am making tons of jewelry for XMas gifts – and yesterday in the craft store I was perusing the samplings of cabochons and charms, and an elderly lady looked at me and said “crafts eh” in a judgemental tone and walked away – like she knew my addiction! Hilarious. Love the craft ideas, might be “stealing” a few for myself!

Long time reader here, but rare commenter. But tonight I saw something I wanted to tell you about. I was grocery shopping (by myself which is so rare with four kids!) A ways down the aisle I caught a glimpse of a woman and a girl who looked to be about eight years old. I saw the girl from behind and she had the most fantastic long, flowing golden hair. Oh is was gorgeous. She was helping her mom get things off the shelves and put them in the cart as her mom read her the list. As I got closer to them in the aisle, I saw the little girl from the front…and she had those spectacular almond shaped eyes. Oh she was beautiful. I just smiled and wanted to hug her…and her mama. But of course I didn’t and I walked on by, but oh how I wanted to hug them both!

Thank you for all your blogging and how you open up this world to people who may not have a glimpse into it otherwise

Awesone ideas! I was just in Micheal’s getting things for my little girls 1st b-day on Dec.1st. That place always makes me crazy because there is just soooooo much neat stuff. Party theme…polka dots. It’s going to be fun.

I’m going to take your advent idea as are all the other readers. It will be a lot better than the cardboard box advent of 2009.

Lainey looks so delighted with her tray. She is another rock star in the making. You must have eaten only rainbow colored skittles with her. : )

Nella! Yeah Nella. In no time she will start doing the little baby bop to music. It’s in her genes.

Happy Friday and keep sucking the marrow. I’ve truly taken it to heart myself and I couldn’t be more grateful to you for the inspiration.

A few things:1. Thanks for adding how to do the templates for photo books in the FAQ’s, that was one of my Q’s! Just in time to do my 2010 photo book!

2. LOVE that you had some images of your too awesome home in the last few blog posts, it is so stylin and another side of your beautiful life to inspire all of us wanna-b’s.

3. Saw you moved up a bit on the website for best blog, that is SO great!

4. AND how does it feel to be like Oprah now!? Whatever you say you love thousands will run out and buy! Use your power for good!

5. OH and PS hot mama, love that you are somehow able to be classy and wear a white button up and pearl earrings whilst crafting! If you tell me you also peeled and ate a pomegranate in that ensemble I will drive to FL to worship you in person!

Kelle, I am a reader of about a year who has just fallen in love with your family! I was finally motivated to comment when I saw Lainey painting that tray. My brother and I painted a tray for my mom when we were about 5 and 6–red and green paint on wood, a janky little Christmas tree and a sad little attempt at an elf. We gave it to her for Christmas with our names signed and the year. Now we’re 27 and 28, and she still brings it out every December, and amid all the glitz and class of the rest of her decorations, it’s one of my favorites to see when I come home for those few precious days in December every year. I hope that you’re bringing out Lainey’s tray for many Christmases to come! Happy holidays

Love, love , love! Please do not be embarrassed about your love for crafts and write about every single Christmassey thing you make!!! It is truly inspiring and something I get obsessed with at Christmas! Sending lots of love to you and your amazing family xxx

I love that you are a crafter… I am too! I actually started a blog to record all my crafty attempts. I’m always wanting to learn something new. Last year it was sewing, this year it’s crochet. My kids love crafting almost as much as I do. My husband can’t stand the mess we make but I think deep down might like our final products!

Danadarcy…you had me with “janky” –a word that peppers our conversations because, well, we all seem to have some things in our stash of belongings that seem to embrace the word. It is sometimes the “janky” things that tell more of a story than the polished and perfect. So, here’s to “janky!” And I love my Poppa turkey…I can’t wait to gush over it!!!

I love that you scrapbook! Me too. I wish that I could sew though but I just don’t have the patience for it. My mom tried to teach me how to knot once and it was super frustrating! I think I’ll stick to scrapbooking!

I loved the first few paragraphs of this. I had to read them to my husband, in fact. My heart resonated with it ever so much – and I too, hope that my girls will grow up throwing around words like “ric rac”

Your gluing kicks a**, awesome! You really should buy a simple Singer sewing machine and be amazed at how easy it is, I think you’d love it!I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving! I was also hoping Poppa might post his Beef Curry recipe?

So I just read the FAQ mostly because I was looking for tips on the beach pictures, not that I live near one, but I like the shadow/orangish look of it and wouldn’t even know how to google how to do that and whether it is a way to take a picture or a way to edit. ANYHOW….I am laughing with the last section with rainbows, unicorns and sprinkled donuts in your past. Girlfriend, you are FUNNY!

Whoa. Back the train up. I am in awe of all the craftastic ideas!!! Had no idea the napking rings came unfinished. I love the vintage buttons. And those banners are so cute . . and the mittens are darling. Girl, you are killing my to do list.

I absolutely LOVE the advent calendar idea with the mittens- I am so on it!!!!!!! This week, I am truly thankful for you. I love what you do for all of us. Pure joy reading your blog…thank you so much.

I absolutely LOVE the advent calendar idea with the mittens- I am so on it!!!!!!! This week, I am truly thankful for you. I love what you do for all of us. Pure joy reading your blog…thank you so much.

You have such a beautiful home and family. I bet you are one proud momma! 😉 I love your craftiness – some of the things you do, seem something I would do. lol. I love the turkey place cards, felt picture frame, and advent calendar. Very simple and smart! Great job! Happy Holidays!

We are doing a similar advent this year-with Christmas socks from the dollar bin at Target! I got 6 pair of the red/silver/green stripe and the solid red with Santa.Now I have to find stuff to put in them!Oh and way to STAND Nella !!!

I love all of these ideas! I can’t sew to save my life…I’m a heck of a gluer too. I have a list of 5 things to do in my 30’s and “learn to sew” is on there. I can’t wait to work on some of these projects. Have a GREAT weekend my dear…I can’t believe how much this site has grown and you’ve got my vote for best blog (EVER!).

Well, you just make crafting sound like the “be all do all.” What sweet memories you are making and what a beautiful picture of you and you girls! Just melts my heart! Blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Oh gosh, I went in Michael’s for the first time in months yesterday and could have stayed all day long!! Unfortunately, I was on my lunch hour. Getting crafty with making 175 (yes, 175) Christmas cards for someone and I’ve decided that since my son and I are in this tiny apt for our first Christmas that we’re going to have a handmade holiday. Making felt trees and chipboard ornaments using some of my extra scrapbooking stash! REALLY enjoyed this post!!Jan

LOVE the mitten idea! Went to JoAnn’s today and could only find 7 pairs of mittens and they were sold out of clothespins. My MIL checked near her and found 6 pairs. They told her someone bought 96 PAIRS yesterday!!!! Others must love your idea as well! Thanks Kelle!

Thank you so much for spreading the message of inclusion! Would love you to win The Bump’s Best Blog award! Nella is doing wonderful and Lainey did an amazing job helping you out!

I knew it! We are related, unicorns show up on my family tree, as well. And, thank God to your Great-Great-Great Grandfather Earl for inventing rose colored glasses because I can’t live without my multiple pairs. :))

“Whatever the mind holds to and firmly believes in, forms a new pattern of thought within its creative mold, as whatever thought is held in the mind tends to take outward form in new creations.” ~Ernest Holmes

All of your craft are so inspiring!! The sewing thing has always stymied me too….never thought of glue!! I think we’ll do some Christmas banners this year!!!

I came across this quote today and thought of you,

“Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.”– Martin Luther King Jr.

I, however, believe that you are able to articulate your heart quite well and it has put me in touch with mine…thank you!!

That is funny you are going craft crazy this week, me toooo!!!! I just realized I can make tutus and my own hairbows and such. I think it was when I went to the Southern Christmas show this week and a tutu was anywhere from 25-$40, good lord for a tutu! A hairbow was $8, of course I didn’t expect them to be on sale there or anything, but I thought it was a bit much. Anyhoo, I am hell bent on learning to sew. I just dusted off my sewing machine and my mamaw came over yesterday to help me out, lol! Oh, she baked us a cake too! LOL! It was yummy! Happy crafting!

um, i don’t know how to sew either…but i feel like it makes me more creative. the hot glue gun is my BFF, for sure. i just crafted some book paper wreaths and garland with hot glue. real cute. booya!http://thenatos.blogspot.com/

LOVE all of these ideas and the “Thankful” banner will be made in this home this week!!!! We have the perfect spot to hang it in the entry way to our eating area where it’s also visible from the living room, and we have oh so much to be thankful for! We are also making Christmas ornaments FREE- check this, you just tear up newspaper or old magazine paper into small pieces, soak it overnight in water, blend it in the blender then take handfuls out, squeezing some of the water and shape them into cookie cutters. Remove the cookie cutter once it’s packed in there and let them dry. We’re going to mod podge our boys’ pictures on them and add some glitter and ribbon to hang them from the tree and those we love! Don’t know why I felt the need to give you that play by play, but I got all excited with the crafting. I’m an open crafter, as well. I LOVE the picture of Nella standing up and am beaming with pride over her! And little Lainey who isn’t so little holding her tray??? Precious. Happy Thanksgiving! And know that I am giving thanks for you, your precious family, and this blog that keeps me so inspired!!

I really like your Advent/Countdown to Christmas idea. My son has a severe peanut and nut allergy. So the drugstore calendars are out for us. Your mitten one is so cute. Now if I could just get off my butt and make it. Happy weekend to you.Lisa

I am about as far from crafty as one can get… but I have to admit you do make it look fun! I can’t draw, or cut a straight line to save my life… but I can buy little mittens & clothespins like a champ. And glue? I am feeling bold now… yes, I do believe I can handle glue… I just may get my craft on this holiday season.Beautiful Nella standing so strong… way to go little Bean!Happy weekend.xoKate

You jumped the gun a little bit?I started putting up my CHRISTMAS decorations and playing Christmas music the week after HALLOWEEN!!! This is MY holiday!! Let the festivities begin EARLY!!I LOVE the mitten creations on the fireplace! Too cute!

i love the beans in the tall vases… I think crafting keeps our eye on the prize.. beauty and the small things… I enjoy and am thankful for the inspiration you give me.. even if you have a mess her and there… Have a great Holiday thanksgiving.. fly your freak banner high..http://nf1andpre-kwhisper.blogspot.com

** TO EFFY ** Regarding Playlist you asked about: If you scroll ALL THE WAY TO BOTTOM OF PAGE, you should see a square. It is the playlist and lists all songs and artists. Hope that helps, the Blog Mama

Love the Craft ideas – preschool teacher in me is so excited that my daughter is old enough to do them – my wheels are turning and remembering all I used to do with my classes. It she made a paper Turkey puppet the other day – it was so cute. Today it is snowing so it is great day for making crafts and getting ready for Christmas! Hope you are having a great weekend!

Girl, I once made my own halloween costume, using nothing but fabric & glue! (I was Pebbles, so it wasn’t THAT complicated, but gluing together your own clothing can get tricky, nonetheless….) I can’t sew whatsoever, so glue is a girl’s bff. I am making some crafty centerpeices for my daughters 1st bday coming up, and I get to use mod-podge, which I am sooooo excited for, as it was my fav. media in my high school art class!

Oh and I wanted to tell you too, I work in a pediatric dental office, and the highlight of my days is when I get special needs patients. I love them, each and every single one, especially the kids with DS. They are all just so sweet, I love the hugs they give me, and how they listen to me. Like they know I want to help them, people tend to lose that when they get older, but these kids, they got it. 😉 But on Monday, I was on my way to work, I had read your blog the night before, and I was thinking, you know, I really hope I have a DS patient today, it’s been awhile, and I just need that right now. And lo and behold, came sweet little 1 1/2 yr old Leanna. She had cute strawberry blonde hair just like my daughters. So cute, and so sweet…just made my heart smile. Made my week.

Love all your crafts. I have such a GREAT IDEA!!! You and the girls come to Cleveland and you can learn to sew in Sarah’s Sewcial Lounge. You can play in the snow too. – I’m sure we will have some in January.

You know what? I don’t think of crafters as nerdy at all. In fact, I’d love to be one! So the fact that you give away some of your ideas and trade secrets (like glue) is a welcome gift for this girl! Your crafts look great- and your post makes me think I could make some of them!

Plug the blog contest at the beginning of your next post! I’ve been voting like crazy but the numbers aren’t changing. It helped that you said to scroll down to vote. Be shameless! I want your blog to win!!!!!!

i usually love crafting.but the girly-girls got all crafty up in there while i was upstairs trying to get baby boy to sleep today.i wish i was happy about that.there ended up a turkey. and a handprint on my floor. in paint.and a piece of paper that was COMPLETELY covered in pink, green, and white paint. like dripping covered. and DELIVERED upstairs. d.r.i.p.p.i.n.g. the entire way.i think i need a hit off the ole’ craft pipe.(which maybe sounded like i actually know what i’m talking about … but i don’t. pipewise. not craftwise.)

That last picture is so sweet. Love it. And I love that you fly the crafty freak flag!! lol It’s just fun! The Thankful sign is awesome and I’m totally stealing it. 😉 IF I can get my son to help. He’s such a boy, it’s a struggle at times to get him to fly the flag with me. hehexoKris

So craftastic idea I just have to share while the kids are little…When my boys were young we took heavy duty white paper and imprinted their foot & hand print in red paint. I purchased wooden embroidery hoops and attached the white paper to the hoops (with glue). This does have to be done while the kids feet and hands are small enough to fit within the embroidery hoop (we used 2 & 4 inch hoops). I added red and green ribbons around the edge of the hoops (with glue) and voila we had new Christmas tree decoration! We made a few and shared them with Grandma’s too!

Oh my! Thanks so much for the FANTASTIC gift idea! We LOVE the serving tray! My son is about 18 months old and we will let his artistic ability shine through on those trays for the grandparents and great grandparents! They will LOVE them I’m sure!

Is Nella standing all by herself??? Seriously??!!! That is the coolest evah!

Thank you so much, Kelle, for sharing your pictures, your family, your self in this blog. I think you are incredibly inspiring… you inspire hope, happiness, positivity, the value and importance of family, and mostly sheer unadulterated joy!

Aww, just have to share…as I was catching up on your blog, my daughter came in, saw pix of sweet Nella and immediately said, “Awww, how cute, is she a miracle baby?” Gotta love it!I’m making a mitten countdown for my niece who was blessed with her first baby this past summer, thanks for the great idea!

i love your crafty ideas, especially the mittens! I tried to go to JoAnn’s and they only had blue in my neck of the woods. I was bummed, have been looking everywhere since with no luck. i wish i was a good enough knitter to make mittens in a hurry, but I’m not quite there yet. I will keep on trying